Digital Equity Gains Amid Pandemic, Complications for Native Tribes

When pueblos in New Mexico set out to bring fiber to Jemez Day School, a K-6 school under the Bureau of Indian Education, they encountered a complex process.

Despite the availability of fiber across the street, upgrading the school’s connection proved to be a challenging task. Early on, the U.S. federal government’s E-Rate program, which offers universal service funding for telecommunications and internet to schools and libraries, declined to fund another project. The program was hesitant to invest in extending fiber to tribal schools and libraries in the same path as the local school district, explains John Chadwick, the digital equity coordinator for the New Mexico Department of Education.

Chadwick then relayed the message that if the pueblos were keen on providing internet access for their students, they would need to collaborate with the local public school district. However, some pueblo leaders were hesitant about this proposal, viewing it as an intrusion on their self-governing rights.

However, Chadwick recognized the need to step back and let the negotiation happen between the sovereign pueblos and the districts. After a former governor of Santo Domingo advocated for the idea, progress was made. The tribe understood the importance of providing internet access to their students, even if it meant collaborating with the district.

This marked the beginning of a three-year effort to connect the school, culminating in a successful upgrade to a 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) fiber connection at the onset of the pandemic. Slower speeds are classified as “underserved” in federal infrastructure legislation.

Broadband, or high-speed internet, plays a crucial role in learning. The lack of internet access can impede students’ ability to submit or access school assignments. The pandemic highlighted the disparities in broadband access for educational purposes, shedding light on affordability issues as well as insufficient internet infrastructure in rural areas.

On tribal lands, access to broadband presents a particular challenge. In 2020, reports showed that around 18% of individuals living on tribal lands lacked access to broadband, compared to about 4% outside tribal areas. Fragmented bureaucratic processes and limited funding were cited as barriers to expanding broadband access in rural tribal areas.

The availability of internet for Native American students varies based on their location. While the majority attend public schools, those under tribal governance or the Bureau of Indian Education may face limited internet access due to geographical constraints, economic factors, and historical land ownership issues.

Each tribe tackles the issue differently, tailored to the specific challenges they encounter. Let’s take a closer look at how two Native American communities are addressing the broadband gap:

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota confronted barriers to acquiring broadband. With a significant portion of the population facing poverty, the cost of implementing broadband infrastructure across the reservation was steep.

Nakina Mills, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, highlighted the challenges posed by poverty, which often forces individuals to prioritize basic needs over internet connectivity. Despite the obstacles, federal funding has been allocated to extend fiber connectivity in the region, aiming to benefit educational facilities, businesses, and residents.

Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation

At Pine Hill School on the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation, students faced a lack of internet access during the pandemic. Margaret Merrill, utilizing CARES Act funding, collaborated with tribal leaders and community members to install hot spots for students, demonstrating the importance of broadband access for academic success.

Overcoming geographical challenges in the High Desert region, Merrill’s company managed to run fiber to key community locations, enhancing connectivity for students and residents. By leveraging federal grants and community partnerships, progress was made in bridging the digital divide.

The efforts in these communities underscore the value of digital equity and the transformative impact of broadband access on education, healthcare, and economic development. Despite the complex obstacles, stakeholders remain dedicated to expanding connectivity and ensuring equal access to vital online resources.

Looking Ahead

The journey to improve broadband infrastructure in tribal communities can be arduous and time-consuming. Factors like checkerboarding, which complicates land ownership and permitting processes, necessitate strategic advocacy and patience.

Champions of digital equity, such as John Chadwick, emphasize the importance of persistence and collaboration in overcoming barriers to internet access for tribal students. By fostering a shared commitment to equitable connectivity, communities can pave the way for a more inclusive and interconnected future.